Here we are inside the Rideau Chapel, preserved inside the National Gallery of Canada. It really is a work of art, with exquisite architecture. The Forty Part Motet is a sound sculpture that is placed here, and entirely appropriate. Speakers are arranged around the room, and the voices of a choir resonate out of each of them. Stand near one, and you'll hear the individual voice directly, and stand in the middle, all of them fill the space. It's hard to describe, but yes, you can feel the music, as if you're in the midst of an invisible sculpture of sound. The music itself is choral and has a religious sensibility. The overall effect is profoundly peaceful and moving.
I thought that I might not like a traditional Gothic chapel having a very untraditional ceiling. Being covered in every cm with decorative fan vaulting supported on slender cast iron columns might have started an epileptic into a spin. But once our eyes stabilised, the fan vaulting started to look elegant.
ReplyDeleteThat ceiling is the only one of its kind in North America.
DeleteI'd like to spend some time there and get a spiritual sound treatment. Lovely William. Thank you
ReplyDeleteIt is relaxing.
DeleteThat would be fun to experience.
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteThat ceiling is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThat it is.
DeleteThat ceiling looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteI’ll make a pint to experience it.
ReplyDeleteThat's one way to put it.
DeleteMake a point that is!
ReplyDeleteFigured!
DeleteThe chapel is beautiful! I love the ceiling. Take care, have a great day!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Delete...the ceiling is fabulous.
ReplyDeleteYes it is.
DeleteI would come visit for this alone. Love those fan arches in the ceiling.
ReplyDeleteMe too.
DeleteSuch a beautiful space, William.
ReplyDeleteI heard that the artist Alex Janvier died yesterday and thought of you and all of the shots you have shown us of his ceiling in one of the museums. I can't remember which museum.
The Museum of History, Morning Star. Your comment this morning was how I found out. What a loss to the country and the world.
DeleteBeautiful chapel and a very cool sound system. You would feel as if you are with the singers.
ReplyDeleteIt's exactly how it feels.
DeleteSo beautiful !
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteBeautiful !
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thank you.
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteIt looks like a really peaceful place, I do like the ceiling patterns, so much work must've gone into making those.
ReplyDeleteTrue.
DeleteThat is a wonderful looking chapel. I especially like the ceiling.
ReplyDeleteI've always liked that chapel.
DeleteIt looks so beautiful, your photographs show it well.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you.
DeleteThat is an amazing interior!
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteBeautiful ceiling.
ReplyDeleteIt is.
Delete